One of the most impressive performers from Friday’s scratch match with the Western Bulldogs, Jack Mahony is relishing being back out on the field after such a long lay-off.

“It was good to just get back out there. It was the first time we had played opposition in a few months,” Mahony told North Media. 

“It was really good to be back out there with the team and the forwards, and I was lucky enough to get on the end of a couple.” 

Mahony kicked three goals and earned praise from Head of Development Gavin Brown for his performance. 

Now he’s hoping to put his hand up for a call-up to senior level. 

“My main role is to get forward of the ball and get pressure on,” Mahony said. 

“The coaches want me to bring energy and be there to get the crumbs, and to support the other forwards.

“I’ve had chats with ‘Shawry’ (Rhyce Shaw) and the forward coaches about what I can bring, and that’s my pressure around the ball, and being dynamic in the contest.

 “If I can keep doing that, hopefully I can push for selection soon.”

Mahony joined North Melbourne with pick 34 in the 2019 AFL Draft, and has loved his experience so far. 

“It’s been unreal. It’s obviously a massive step-up from under 18’s, but I’ve made the transition pretty well,” he said. 

“The players and coaches have made it smooth.” 

The 18-year-old has caught the eye in training since joining the Roos, and even enjoyed some AFL exposure during the Marsh Series. 

“It was a big step-up,” Mahony said. 

“I went to my first contest and Jason Johannisen next to me, so that was pretty cool. 

“The first few minutes I was nervous, but I think I found my feet by the end of the game. 

“It’s a whole lot quicker, but I’m starting to get used to it.”

Mahony has trained with the forward group so far, but his versatility suggests his future could be in a number of positions.

“I’ve only played as a forward the last two years, and have been full-time forward at North, but I played a lot in the midfield as a junior, and I think that’s where I eventually see myself,” he added/

“But I love playing as a forward, and I’m happy to play wherever the coaches want me to.”